Ground Broken for Cook Tennis Center

Even though the spring tennis season is complete, the area surrounding Liberty's Hershey-Esbenshade Tennis Courts will see action through the summer while construction for the Cook Tennis Center is taking place.

Last week, ground was broken for the project which was first announced in November 2010, after the lead gift was provided by Sherwin and Lora Cook. The new 2,500-square foot home for Liberty's men's and women's tennis programs will include two locker rooms, training and laundry rooms, a stringing room, four offices for coaches, a kitchen area, team room and a balcony that will overlook the tennis courts.

Upon completion, Liberty will be able to host collegiate postseason competition, including Big South Men's and Women's Tennis Championships and the opening rounds of the NCAA Tennis Championships.

Plans estimate the facility to be completed by early August.

Both the men's and women's tennis teams are coming off notable seasons led by fifth-year head coach Chris Johnson. The men's squad posted its third-consecutive 10-win season while advancing to the semifinals of the Big South Championship. Meanwhile, the Lady Flames posted 15 victories on the year to tie the program's best wins total and claim their first Big South regular-season title. The women's team also advanced to the semifinals of the Big South Championship.